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Getz's retirement no surprise to Gibbons

4/30/14: Chris Getz charges a ground ball off the bat of Eric Hosmer and makes a quick throw to get the out

By Gregor Chisholm and Teddy Cahill
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MLB.com |

ARLINGTON -- Chris Getz's decision to retire caught a lot of people offguard, but not Blue Jays manager John Gibbons.

Gibbons had a long history with Getz dating back to their time together in Kansas City from 2008-11. The two knew each other well enough that Gibbons had an idea this type of move might be coming.

The 30-year-old Getz decided to step away from the game earlier this week after spending the past nine years in professional baseball, including part of seven seasons in the Major Leagues.

"He called me the other day and he told me," Gibbons said. "It's been something he had been contemplating. I think this offseason, he finished his degree. He's a smart cookie, Getzy has it all together. ... It's something that was kind of stewing with him because the last couple of years he had been up and down.

"I think he has a baby on the way, his wife is due in the next couple of months. It's not like it happened out of bitterness or frustration. He even told me he's excited about his next career, whatever that's going to be."

Getz could change his mind at some point in the future but at least for now his playing days have come to an end. He was a .250 career hitter with three homers and 111 RBIs in 459 career games.

The native of Michigan had a brief stint with the Blue Jays this season. He began the year in the Minors but eventually got called up in May and appeared in 10 games. Getz was then designated for assignment and cleared waivers before he announced his intention to retire.